Finding a UTV With the Right Hauling Capacity
A UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) is a powerful, compact machine and can be anything from a miniature workhorse to an offroading powerhouse. One of the many considerations you face when trying to buy the right UTV for your needs is potential hauling capacity, and it’s something you want to get right. We here at Desert Greens Equipment want to make sure you get the tool or toy you need, so we’ve put together a few tips for finding a UTV with the right hauling capacity below. To learn more, or to see the UTVs we have for sale, contact our stores in Albuquerque and Belen, New Mexico, today!
What Exactly Is the Hauling Capacity?
A UTV’s hauling capacity refers to the total amount of weight it can carry without being overburdened and combines the towing capacity (the weight it can tow) and the payload capacity (the amount of weight inside the vehicle itself). That includes people, attachments, aftermarket add-ons, cargo, and anything being towed. Different UTVs have different weight capacities, and it’s important that you understand yours and try to avoid going above it. Overloading your UTV can impact its health, fuel efficiency, and control.
What You Need
Now, for the buying process, your first question should be, “how much weight will I need my UTV to carry?” This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to over- or underestimate your actual needs, so try to think up the heaviest load your UTV will ever need to transport. You’ll also want to take a long-term approach and think ahead to what your UTV will eventually need to handle.
Considerations
Next, there are a few considerations that can impact your UTV’s hauling capacity that go beyond the cargo and the UTV’s original specs.
Difficult Terrain
Most UTV hauling capacities are set under the assumption that the UTV will be operating on hard, even surfaces like hard packed dirt, grassy areas, or pavement. More complex and difficult terrain will make your UTV struggle to carry the same amount of weight it would otherwise be fine with, so keep in mind that if you’ll be mudding or driving through sand a lot, you’ll need a higher hauling capacity.
Inclines
Similarly, a manufacturer’s recommended hauling capacity is based on the idea that a UTV will usually be on flat surfaces. If your route is going to include a lot of hills, ditches. dunes, or other sharp inclines, that will put strain on your UTV and again, it will struggle to manage its weight. If you want your UTV to keep up with work or play that involves a lot of inclines, make sure the hauling capacity is high enough not to be overly affected by them.
We hope this guide helps you find a UTV with the perfect hauling capacity for you! If you have any questions, or you just want to see the UTVs we have for sale, contact us at Desert Greens Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Belen, Santa Fe, and Rio Ranchero, New Mexico—let us serve you today!